LONG BEACH Queen Mary Exhibit, Diana Legacy of a Princess, a Royal Exhibition

The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, California
(800) 437-2934
queenmary.com

From the time Princess Diana came on the scene, marrying Prince
Charles in the most watched wedding in the world in 1981, nothing would be the same. Beautiful to see and much younger than her royal husband, Diana was a hard to act to follow. She wore her lavish gowns well and stole the show with her great looks. She could not be contained. Often outspoken about world injustices, she traveled the globe on behalf of humanitarian causes and became known as one of the most popular public figures of the lat 20th century. She died in a car wreck in August 1997 at the age of 36, one year after her divorce from the Prince of Wales. Leaving two sons, William and Harry, the Princess of Wales left also left a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

"DIANA: Legacy of a Princess", is a priceless collection of evening gowns, dresses, personal accessories, photographs, heirlooms and other cherished memorabilia associated with Princess Diana and the Royal Family. The exhibition will be presented in a 13,000 sq. ft. existing exhibit and art gallery area located on the Sun Deck. Presented in a new gallery, the exhibition is a major undertaking by The Queen Mary and will further its connection to British culture.

This is the first shipboard attraction to combine personal and historical artifacts affiliated with the Royal Family, and the venture connects to an important community relations initiative. The ongoing challenge to eradicate breast cancer was of special importance to Princess Diana and remains so for the Pink Ribbons Crusade founders.

Responsible historic sensitivity and stewardship governs every aspect of this design process to create a meaningful new shipboard attraction while reminding visitors of The Queen Mary's elegant past, according to Ship Historian and Archivist, John Thomas.

Defining the era and style of the legendary RMS Queen Mary known for original art deco and streamline Moderne Ocean Liner design interior motifs, the exhibit celebrates and preserve the Queen's historical authenticity while complementing the shipboard experience.

In conjunction with the Diana exhibit, a gift boutique and elegant Tea Room carry the exhibit's theme and promotes its fundraising efforts. The Tea Room offers spectacular daytime and evening views of the harbor, city and distant mountains, occupying an area that once served as a banking center for those sailing between the continents.

In its new form, it provides visitors an elegant setting to chat about the Diana collection or simply relax while enjoying one of Southern California's most unique and beautiful scenic views. The inventory of beautiful dresses, personal mementos and accessories that were part of Diana's inimitable style combine to make this exhibition a unique enhancement to the Queen Mary's historic presence.

Queen Mary: The RMS Queen Mary made her maiden voyage to New York City in 1936, and final port-of-call in 1967 in Long Beach, California. Permanently moored within sight of the beautiful Long Beach harbor, the tourist attraction includes an eclectic museum, boutique hotel and five star dining. Queen Mary is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pink Ribbons Crusade was founded in 2000 by Jess and Suzanne King to honor Mrs. King's father, Dr. William Shields, a respected breast surgeon and to recognize the struggle of women everywhere when confronting breast cancer. It is a 501 C-3 (not-for-profit) charity. Suzanne King transformed her extensive personal collection of Princess Diana and royal memorabilia into the novel commemorative exhibit which has taken nearly three decades to assemble and has raised countless funds for various breast cancer organizations (dianadresses.org).